New rules could see local dogs having their cheeks swabbed in
order to register their DNA in a database compiled by the company
PooPrints UK.

If an illegitimate turd is then found, the troubling mound can
then be tested and the pet and owner traced with almost 100
percent accuracy.

Owner fines could be raised to £80.

A similar scheme in the United States has reduced the problem by
up to 90 percent in areas where the scheme is in place, according
to PooPrints.

Local councilor Darren Rodwell told the Telegraph: “We are
the first council in the country to get really tough on dog mess
and pet owners who do not act in a socially responsible way.

“The vast majority of dog owners in Barking and Dagenham are
socially responsible but unfortunately a selfish few think it’s
OK to not clean up after their pet.

“Dog mess not only spoils our streets – it’s also a health
hazard and especially to young children. It’s why we are using
this innovative approach in making a cleaner, healthier and
better Barking and Dagenham.”

The council decided to explore the measure after finding it spent
up to £2.3 million per year on cleaning up after lazy owners
unwilling to get down and dirty and scooping their pooch’s poop.

If the initiative gains approval, the council could be sniffing
out offenders as early as September next year.